Dismay as Government gives go ahead for third runway (Enfield Liberal Democrats)

Enfield Liberal Democrats <info@enfieldlibdems.org.uk>

Dismay as Government gives go ahead for third runway

January 15, 2009 12:38 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

Susan Kramer, Mike Cox and Sarah Ludford pictured on a protest march against a third runway at Heathrow airport

Today Liberal Democrats have expressed their dismay following the announcement that the government intends to go ahead with plans for a third runway at Heathrow. The proposals have been mired in controversy in part because the government is already seeking a 5 year postponement in meeting EU air quality targets.

Commenting on the announcement London's Liberal Democrat MEP and anti-Heathrow expansion campaigner Sarah Ludford said:

"Today's decision is a huge disappointment, Liberal Democrats have consistently been outspoken in their opposition to a third runway and last year I introduced Council Leaders to EU Environment Commissioner, Stavros Dimas, who is taking the issue very seriously. Britain is already risking EU legal action for air quality breaches in London. This decision shows that the Government can't understand that climate change, air quality and the health of Londoners go hand in hand."

Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson Caroline Pidgeon said:

"If the Labour Government is serious about a rail hub and high speed rail - which would reduce the need for many internal and continental flights, then they should be rejecting any expansion at Heathrow. The government's proposals are poorly thought through both in terms of practicalities and the consequences for London's residents."

London submission by Liberal Democrat Assembly Members, MPs and MEP Sarah Ludford to the Heathrow consultation:

http://www.gla.libdems.org.uk/resources/sites/217.160.173.253e54d44dcb2780.65885247/Liberal+Democrat+response+to+the+latest+consultation+on+extending+Heathrow.doc